Northern California Congressman Doug LaMalfa Dies at 65
Longtime representative passed away following a medical emergency and emergency surgery, officials say
Image: Doug LaMalfa, Facebook
UPDATED: 2:45pm to include additional quotes from various leaders and groups.
Northern California Congressman Doug LaMalfa has died at the age of 65 following a medical emergency, according to statements from law enforcement and Republican officials.
LaMalfa, who represented California’s 1st Congressional District, died Monday evening after being transported to a hospital in Chico, California, where he underwent emergency surgery. The Butte County Sheriff's Office confirmed his death but did not immediately release a cause.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to LaMalfa’s home at approximately 6:50 p.m. on January 5 after receiving a report of a medical emergency. He was transported by emergency responders to Enloe Hospital, where he died during surgery.
LaMalfa was a fourth-generation rice farmer and lifelong resident of Northern California. He had represented the region in Congress since 2013 and previously served in both the California State Assembly and State Senate. His congressional district stretched from the Oregon border south through Shasta, Butte, and Yuba counties, including the city of Redding and areas north of Sacramento.
The National Republican Congressional Committee confirmed his passing late Monday. Chairman Richard Hudson said he was “deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague and close friend.”
“Doug was a principled conservative and a tireless advocate for the people of Northern California,” Hudson said in a statement. “He was never afraid to fight for rural communities, farmers, and working families. Doug brought grit, authenticity, and conviction to everything he did in public service.”
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer also issued a statement remembering LaMalfa’s personal character and family life.
“Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America,” Emmer said. “Our prayers are with Doug’s wife, Jill, and their children.”
President Donald Trump offered condolences during a scheduled address to House Republicans on January 6, telling lawmakers he considered canceling the speech after learning of LaMalfa’s death.
“I was really saddened by his passing,” Trump said. “Our hearts go out to his wife Jill and his entire family.”
Trump added that he chose to proceed with the remarks in LaMalfa’s honor.
“I was thinking about not even doing the speech in his honor, but then decided that I have to do it in his honor,” Trump told lawmakers. “I’ll do it in his honor, because he would have wanted it that way.”
Officials said LaMalfa had praised recent federal actions over the weekend and remained publicly active shortly before his death. His final social media post was published on January 3.
At the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, House Democrats acknowledged LaMalfa’s passing and held a moment of silence during an unofficial hearing marking the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, according to Reuters.
No additional details regarding the cause of death have been released. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office said the incident remains a medical matter, and no foul play is suspected.
“Congressman Doug LaMalfa was a devoted public servant who deeply loved his country, his state, and the communities he represented. While we often approached issues from different perspectives, he fought every day for the people of California with conviction and care. He will be deeply missed,” said California Governor Gavin Newsome.
“Congress is devastated to learn this morning about the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Doug LaMalfa. Doug was a lifelong resident of northern California and deeply loved its people. He was as fierce of a fighter for his state’s vast natural resources and beauty as we have ever known. We are mourning the loss of our friend and brother today and we send our respects for his life and work to his wife Jill and the LaMalfa family during this difficult time,” stated Speaker Mike Johnson.
“Doug was a thoughtful lawmaker who truly understood rural America because he lived it. He never lost sight of who he served, and he never stopped fighting for the people back home, who often felt that their way of life was under attack. Together we worked on Klamath Water issues, Secure Rural Schools, responsible forest management, wildfire prevention, and wolf delisting,” stated Congressman Cliff Bentz. “His work left a lasting impact on the West and on the families who depend on our forests, farms, and ranches. It was an honor to serve along side him. He was a true friend, and a dedicated and effective advocate. He will be missed by each and every one of us.”
“For a generation, Doug LaMalfa has been a vital voice of leadership for the North State. He was a no-nonsense conservative but had a bipartisan streak when it came to the practical needs of the North State. He also had the patience it takes to get anything done in Washington. He fought for years to achieve tax relief for wildfire settlements, the construction of Sites Reservoir, and most recently and successfully, reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools funding,” said Senator Megan Dahle. “He worked tirelessly and loved the communities he represented. It was not at all rare for him to spend a week in Washington and then drive 200 miles from his home for a firefighter appreciation dinner in Siskiyou County on Saturday night.”
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rep. Doug LaMalfa and I spent time getting to know each other during conversations on the balcony outside the House chamber between votes. Doug always spoke lovingly of his wife and children. I offer them my sincere condolences today as they grieve the loss of their husband and father,” said Congresswoman Betty McCollum.
“Doug wasn’t just our representative; he was a dedicated advocate who never forgot the "Top of the State." Whether in the halls of D.C. or at Modoc County Farm Bureau and Cattlemen's meetings, he was present, boots on the ground, listening to our concerns,” said Modoc County Supervisor Geri Byrne. “Doug delivered for us where it mattered most. He secured land for local jobs, protected the SRS funding that supports our schools and roads, worked tirelessly on the Tulelake airport, and brought home the millions needed to upgrade Surprise Valley Electric. Doug, thank you for always showing up for our 4-H and FFA kids, our firefighters, and our ranching families. We’re going to miss you at the table. Our prayers are with his family. Rest in peace, my friend.”
“Today, Siskiyou County has lost a tremendous advocate and friend. Congressman LaMalfa understood the challenges facing our County and our region better than most, and was a tireless advocate for Northern California in Congress. As our representative, he left an indelible mark on this region, championing bipartisan legislation on public safety, wildfire mitigation, agriculture, and water policy reforms for the betterment of rural communities, exclaimed Siskiyou County Sheriff, Jeremiah LaRue. “Yet chief amongst Congressman LaMalfa’s priorities was the time he spent with his constituents. Many of us have had the opportunity to meet Congressman LaMalfa during his frequent travels across the District 1, and will remember his remarkable sense of humor as well as his unshakable commitment to Northern California and those living in it.”
“His focus was always on the people of his district and the American values he cherished so deeply. There was no one who took the job of “representative” more seriously than Doug. He traversed the district, going to every dinner and community event. He demanded answers from bureaucrats. He pushed hard for the things his people needed. He waited til the very end of every State of the Union so he could talk to the President, Republican or Democrat, about his district,” said Assemblyman James Gallagher.
“Congressman LaMalfa understood the realities facing irrigated agriculture and rural communities, and his leadership on water, land management, and infrastructure issues reflected a deep commitment to the people he served. His voice and perspective will be missed, stated the Family Farm Alliance. “We are grateful for his dedication to our cause, his friendship to the Alliance, and his service to our nation.”
“We are devastated by the loss of Congressman LaMalfa, who was a resolute and dedicated voice for rural America and its people. Our prayers are with his wife, Jill, his children, and his staff,” said Elizabeth Nielsen, Executive Director of the Klamath Water Users Association.
“We are heartbroken by this news. For so long, the Congressman and his entire team have been the steadfast champions of the Klamath Reclamation Project. He has been a critical ally, routinely making weekend and after-hour calls to check in on Klamath issues and ensure our community was heard. We are deeply shaken by this sudden development, and have not yet processed that we will not be able to pick up the phone and resume our conversation about the state of our union,” stated Klamath Irrigation District.
“As a fourth-generation rice farmer, Doug brought the voice of farmers and ranchers to every level of public service, from county meetings to Congress, always grounded in the communities he represented,” stated the California Farm Bureau. His passion for agriculture, love of community and commitment to service leave a lasting legacy.”
